Democratic conservatism is characterized by a set of values and beliefs that is distinct from liberalism such as an emphasis on small government, moralism, and individualism. In contrast to classical liberalism, conservatism emphasizes the rule of law, traditional social and moral standards, and respect for authority. It also holds that society should be regulated to preserve the traditional order. In the United States, Democratic conservatism is an ideology that is mostly associated with the
Republican Party, though it has a history in the Democratic Party their views on foreign policy, social issues, and military affairs have been criticized. Modern Democratic conservatism believes that religion, civil rights, traditional family values, and free markets should be supported, but that government should be limited, and the federal government should be restructured to be more efficient. They hijacked the
Republican Party after the 1990s and began to
use the Republican Party to promote their ideology which was the opposition to liberal policies such as abortion, gun control, gay rights, and
environmentalism. In other words, they are the Dixiecrats of the 21st century.
